Dancing tap



A. L. soTHEN 2,168,303

DANCING TAP l Filed Aug. l2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 @f5 /0 nu@ 2*/lieve/fa?" A.` L. soTHEN 2,168,303

DANCING TAP Filed Aug. 12, 1953 s sheets-sheet 2 @ye/afar A. l.. soTHEN2,168,303

DANCING TAP Filed Aug. 12, 193e s sheets-sheet 3 warg @am /l [04 Q21 n/zfffwy Patented Aug. 1, 1939 i* UNITED STAT ES PATE NT O FFIC E2,168,303 DANCING TAP Albert L. Sothen, Chicago, Ill. y ApplicationAugust 12, 1938, Serial No.' 224,422

17 Claims.

.This invention relates to novel and improved dancing taps. The knowndancing taps of this type, such as 'are plate-like in form and areprovided with a sound amplifying chamber, have no soundV creatingelements or only weak ones in said chamber, and furthermore have thesound-outlet positioned under the `bottom of the shoe, wherebysaid-outlet becomes restricted by the overhanging shoe bottom, so thatthe sound emitted from the chamber is-obliged` to pass between the soleor the bottoml of the shoe and the floor, which tends to muflleand-deaden the metallic sound created in the chamber. It is one ofthe'main objects and purposes of my invention, in its various forms, tolprovide an improved dancingtap comprising a specially arranged soundchamber containing means for creating -a positive and strong `metallicor ringing sound, and further to provide special ports or channel meansfor emitting a clear and strong metallic sound directly outwardly of andlbeyond the confines of the shoe bottom.

Another objectof this invention is to provide tap devicesadapted for usefor a varietyr of purposes, whereby t o produce jingling, tapping,turning and spinning effects. A further object of thisvinventio-n yis toprovide a dancing tap-Which is constructed to meet vthe ever changingturning, tapping `and spinning routines of the dancer, and to assist thedancer in performing these various exhibitions with ease and grace andwith a minimum of expended energy.

Another object of this invention is to provide la dancing tap adapted toproduce a strong and distinct sound eifect, which is preferablyaccomplished by providing a sound chamber having a distinct recess orpocket wherein sound producing means is seated so as to be positivelymoved therein when the tap touches the oor. A further object of thisinvention is to provide Vparticular sound outlet ports on such tap, inorder to clearly and eiciently discharge the sound from such soundchamber and recess beyond the bottom of the shoe. Y

Another object of this invention is to provide such dancing taps withupper reinforcing ridges having a sound chamber and recess therebetweenand which ridges are scalloped or indented on the inward edges, adaptedto produce variations in the tapping and jingling sounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a dancing tapcomprising outer ridge means on its upper face, and also upstanding ribsadjacent an intermediate sound recess, adapted to engage under thebottom of the shoe and prevent the latter from being depressed into thesound chamber and recess or to deaden the created sound. l5

Another object of this invention is to provide such Idancing tapsEcomprising La crowned or domed lower face curved upward toward thefront and the rear and vthe side edges, and wherein the openings for thefastening elements are placed close to the sloping edges, soas to vprevent any fastening element from engaging or marring the oor. c h

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel dancing tapprovided with means, which '15 may also include la ballrace, tofacilitate easy and graceful turning and spinning of the dancer ineither direction; and furthermore to arrange the spinning means of suchdancing taps Vwith means on the lower face to preventskidding and 20slipping overthe floor thereby.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an improved` dancingtap construction which may be embodied in either a toe tapor a ball tapor a heel tap, for attachment to the bottom of the shoe.

A further object of this invention is to produce a tap construction forthe toe part, and likewise for the .ball part of the foot, having acrowned lower face so as to readily strike the oor with the centralcrown -portion of the tap, and thusrto guide the dancer to a centerbalance .or balance on the central part of the tap, and to produce veryloud tappingv and jingling sounds.v

A more particular object of this invention is to provide a toe tap whichis equipped with two :or three rearwardly extending ears or wings whichwill serve as supporting means for the lsole and the foot of the dancer,especiallyl when .engaged-in toe stands. Y

A further Iobject is to provide a tap equipped with three long ears orlwings which extend a considerable distance rearwardly, for theparticular purpose of effecting a ,triple or compound yrippling soundwhen passing over the floor, especially in wing-stepdancing.

` Another object of this invention is to provide the tap in the form of`a heel plate which com.- prises means, lpreferably including a soundrecess and means movable therein, for creating a variety of jinglingsounds and an amplifying thereohand Which means is instantly responsiveto the least movement of the foot; and to furthermore provide such heeltap adapted for embodiment of my invention in the form of a dancing tapattached to the toe part of a dancing shoe.

Fig. 2 is a side view thereof, showing a sectional view of the tap,taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of said form of danc-" ing tap.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectionalview thereof, taken Von line Y4 4 of Fig. 3.vc Y Fig. 5 isan inverted planview of the upper disk or sounding memberwhich is attached to the sole of the shoe.

Figs. 6 and 6a villustrate respectively, in top plan and in elevation,the lower disk or sounding member which is housed and movable in the tapplate.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a slightly modified form of tap includingan upstanding supporting flange on its front edge. v

Fig. 8 is a side view thereof, withv said flange shown in section. 1

Fig. 9 is an inverted plan view of another modied form of dancing tapwhich includes three rear wings.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of said form. c

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view of this form attached to the shoe,withthe tap andits disk .members shown in section.V

Figs. l2 and 12a illustrate the upper disk, in

plan and in elevation, respectively.

Figs. 13 and 13a illustrate the lower disk member in elevation and ininverted plan View, respectively. c

Fig. 14 is an upper plan view of a further modii'ied form of dancingtap, provided with an upstanding iiange en its front edge.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational View of this form, with said flange shownin section.

Fig. 16 is an inverted plan View of another modii'led form of tap, inthe shape of a ball tap, being shown mounted under the ball part of theshoe.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of this ball tap.

Fig. 18 is an end view of this ball tap.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of this ball tap, taken on lineI9-I9 of Fig. 16.

Fig. -20 is a cross-sectional, View of my improved dancing tap, which isshown provided with ballbearing means in the disk members for effectingan easy turning and spinning therewith.

Figs. 21 and 21ashow the upper disk member thereof in plan and in sideelevation, respectively.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the lower disk member with the ballracetherein.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken on line 23-23 of Fig.22.

Fig. 24 is an inverted plan View of said lower disk member.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing my improved tap adapted toutilize cymbals in its sound recess.

Fig. 26 is-a plan view of vthe cymbal.

Fig. 27 is an inverted plan view of a further modified form of dancingtap, in the shape of a heel plate shown attached to the heel of adancing shoe.

Fig. 28 is a sectional view thereof, taken on line 28-28 of Fig. 27,showing the attached shoe part in elevation. l

Fig. 29 is a top plan view of said heel tap.

Fig. 30 is a vertical cross-sectional view thereof, taken on line 30-36of Fig.29.

Fig. 31 is a side View of this tap.'

Fig. 32 is an inverted plan view of another form of heel tap.

Fig. 33 is a top plan view of this heel tap.

Fig. 34 is a sectional view thereof, taken on line 34-34 of Fig. 33,showing the upper disk secured to the heel, and its curved lower faceengageable by the lower disk member to turn thereon.

Figs. 35 and 35a. show said lower disk member in elevation and in bottomplan view, respectively. Figs. 36 and 36a show saidvtop disk inelevation and in bottom plan view, respectively.r

In the drawings I have illustrated this invention in a few ofits-various forms of construction. In Figs. 1 to 15 inclusive, theseveral formsof dancing taps conform to the forward part or toe part ofthe shoe sole and are arranged to be firmly secured thereunder; while inFlgs.'l6 to 19 inclusive, the invention is shown in the form of a balltap Varrangedto be. secured under the ball part .of the' shoe; and inFigs. 27 to 34 inclusive, the Ainventionis shown in the Vform of a heeltap or heel plate arranged to bevsecured under the heel of the shoe.

These taps are generallyY made of light-Weight, rust-resisting metal,vsuch as aluminum or an aluminum alloy or the like.

In Figs. 1 toV 6 inclusive, I have shown lthe invention in theparticular form of a toe tap. It Acomprises a body or plate portion I0having a convex lower face I I which is curved upwardsY toward the frontand the rear and the side edges, providing an intermediate crowned ordomed part I2 thereon, which is positioned under the toe portion I3 ofthe sole I4 of the shoe. The beveled edges .of the taphave openings I 5provided therein, to receive fastening elements IB for securing the tapto the` shoe sole I4, said openings being countersunk and the elementsplaced deep therein to prevent any digging or scraping of said elementsinto the iioor.

In this form Vof tap the body I0-has two outer rearwardly extendingwings Il thereon with a recess I8 therebetween, said wings extending asubstantial distance rearwardly almost to the bendingpart of the shoe,so as to provide ample support-and stiffness to the forward part of theshoe sole.

Reinforcing means or ridge means I9 is provided on the upper face of thetap, extending along the marginal side and front part thereof, and beingprovided with dents or scallops 20 ,on the inner edge. A sound chamber2| is thus formed between said scalloped ridge means, having a soundoutlet openingV or port Y22 at the rear.

These scallops are effective in producing a variety Aof jingling andtapping sounds.

A pocket or recess 23, which issubstantially circular, is furtherprovided within the upper face Vportion of 'the tap, substantially inthe intermediate part of chamber 2|, and arcuate rib means 24is furtherprovided at the rearward part of said recess, whereby to positivelyretain the sound producing disk means in position in the recess. Saidrib means 24 greatly aids the ridge means I9 hereby t'o bear underthebottom of the sole |4, andthereby prevents the sole from beingdepressed into chamber 2| or its outlet 22, or into recess 23, whichwould diminish or deaden the sound produced therein. A rear port 25 isprovided between said rib means 24, to emit sound from the recess intothe chamber.

Special outlet ports 25 are also provided in ridge means |9, and arepreferably extended laterally therein for directing the sound created inthe recess 23 and the chamber 2| laterally, and emitting the soundbeyond the tap and the connes .of the shoe bottom, so as to produce aclear and distinct metallic tone thereby.

In this form of tap the companion sounding means comprises an upper diskmember 27 and a lower disk member 28, the lower member being seated inrecess 23 having a guide stem 29 depending therefrom and protruding thruan aperture 30 which extends from said recess 23 thru the dome part I2of the tap. The construction is arranged so that there'is a spacebetween the upper member 2l and the lower member 28, and as the tapcontacts the floor during dancing the bottom end of the stem 29 alsoengages the floor, thru the slightest movement of the foot on the floor,whereby the member 2S is forced upward and strikes member 21, therebyproducing a ringing sound. This provides a very clear and distinctringing sound, which is greatly and delinitely amplified, chieiiy inView of the recess 23 with its companion sounding means, in conjunctionwith chamber 2| and the sound outlet ports 25 extending therefrom thruthe ridge means |55 to the outer edge of the tap and the shoe bottom,which is aided by the sound emitted from the rear outlet 22.

Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate such a tap l0' in a slightly modified form. Itcomprises an upstanding flange 3| at the forward part ofthe tap, whichextends along the toe part of the shoe sole, and for substantially theheight of the sole, so as to clasp the forward edge thereof and protectthe same, and so that during tap dancing this flanged toe part of thetap will engage the floor and produce the proper metallic sound. :Thistap otherwise includes, like the preceding form, the upper ridges |9'with the scallops 20', also the sound chamber 2|, therebetween with itsapertured recess 23' therein and the ribs y24' thereon, as well as thesound outlet ports 22', 25' and 26.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 11 is illustrated a further modified form of tap 35which is provided with three rearwardly extending wings, including acentral wing 35 and two side Wings 31, similar to the side wings in theabove described form. These triple wings have a great advantage inproducing extra rippling vibrations when passing over the floor andespecially in wing-step dancing, and provides the dancer a better centerVsupport in toe stand exhibitions. The extra, center wing also serves tostiffen the central body part of the tap. This form otherwise is similarto the preceding form and includes the ridge means 35 along the marginalupper edge part of the tap, with its scallops 40 on the inner edgethereof, also the sound chamber 4| therebetween'with the sound outletchannel or port 42 at the rear. This form alsov includes the pocket orrecess `43 in the upper face portion of the tap having arcuate rib means44 on the rearward edge provided with an outlet port 45 therein, and apair of outlet ports 46 extending laterally thru ridge means 39. Saidports 45 and 45 along with rear port 42 provide complete and efficientsound outlet means forthe emitting of sound from recess 43 inconjunction with chamber 4|, as in the preceding form.

The disk means shown in connection with this form of tap comprises anupper disk member 4l and a lower disk member 48, said lower memberincludinglan vupper disk portion seated in recess 43, and having a lowerbody or guiding stem portion 45 depending therefrom and protruding thruan aperture 50 extending from recess 43 thru the dome part of the tap.The upper disk member 41 is adapted to be secured under the shoe soleand itis preferably provided with a rounded lower face 4l' so that areadily'turning motion is provided between said rounded face and theupper face of the lower member 48. This body or stem portion r49 isheavier than the guide stem 29 in the preceding form, and is thusespecially adapted for making turns thereon. It has its bottom face 49substantially crown-shaped and provided with suction grooves, adapted toafford traction on the floor and avoid skiddng of the lower facethereon, especially while mak-ing turns or spinning. As the grooved face45 engages the iioor, the lower member 48 rises in aperture 50, so thatits top face engages under the rounded bottom face 41 of the uppermember 4l, and thus provides for an easy turni-ng and spinning of thedancer on his toe portion of the shoe; but this construction alsopermits tap dancing and gliding over the floor smoothly and evenlywithout marring or digging into the floor.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate such a tap 35 in a slightly modified form. Itcomprises an upstanding flange arising from the front part of thetap,-so as to extend along the toe part of the sole and forsubstantially the lheight thereof, adapted to protect the same, and sothat the flanged front part -of the tap will engage the floor andproduce the proper metallic sound during tap dancing. This tap isotherwise like'the preceding form and includes the three wings 35' and3l' and the upper ridge means 39' with its scallops 45', also thechamber 4| having the recess 43 therein and the rib means 44 thereon,alsothe outlet ports 45', 45 and 42 for properly and efficientlyemitting the sound from said recess and chamber asin the precedng form.

In Figs. 16 to 19 inclusive I have illustrated this invention as appliedto a ball tap 52 which is particularly adapted to be secured under theball part 53 of the shoe sole, and it extends substantially across thewidth of the sole, as indicated in Fig. 16 of the drawings. This tapalso has a curved er crowned lower face including a crowning centerportion 52', and it has openings 'near its edges for receiving securingelements Evil-therein to secure the tap under the ball part of the shoe.A recess 55 is provided in the intermediate part of the upper face ofsaid tap, and outlet channels or ports 55 extend laterally outwardtherefrom to the sides of the tap 52 and the ball 53, for emitting thecreated sound beyond the confines of the-shoe bottom.

The disk means shown in conjunction with this form of tap is similar tothat shown in Figs. 12 and 13 of the preceding form and comprises anupper disk member 57 and a companion lower disk member 58, the uppermember being secured under the ball part 53 of the shoe sole and beingprovided with a'lower rounded face 5l', and the lower member 58 beingprovided with a body portion 59 which extends thru an aperture 55extending from recess 55 thru the dome part of the tap. The lower face59' of said portion 55 is substantially crown-s`naped andis providedwith grooves therein, adapted to prevent skidding of said lower face onthe floor while making turns with this tap. The shoe with the attachedupper memberr5'i with its rounded lower face 51 is adapted to turnfreely and easily upon the top of the lower member 58 which has its face59' resting on the floor, thus adapting this form of constructionparticularly for easy and graceful spinning and turning exhibitions, foreither right or left turns therewith.

Figs. 20 to 24 inclusive illustrate how my improved type of tap isespecially adapted to use pa pair of disk members provided withball-bearing means. ThisV tap 64 is provided with the recess 65 thereinfor receiving the disk means, and wherefrom channel means or port means68 extend for emitting the sound. Said vdisk means comprises an uppermember 61 and a lower member 68 provided with a depending body or guidestem portion 69 protruding thru an aperture 10 which extends from recess65 thru the lower crowning portion S4 of the tap. A ballrace is providedon the upper face of member 88 having balls 12 movable therein, whilethe upper member 6'! rests upon balls 'I2 and is held rotatably thereonby a central screw or pivot element 13, so that member 61 with the shoeis readily turnable or rotary upon the lower member 68. Grooves 69 arepreferably also provided in the lower face of body portion 69 to affordtraction on the iloor. Y

This ball-bearing form of disk means provides an exceptionally easyoperating and fast spinning device, whereby the dancer can make a veryspeedy spinning exhibition and a substantially unlimited number ofturns.

Figs. 25 and 26 furtherllustrate how this form of tap is also adapted toutilize a pair of cymbals 14 in the recess 65 of tap 84', the soundbeing adapted to emanate from the lower aperture 'l0' as well as fromthe other sound channels or ports, such as those shown at 5B.

In Figs. 27 to 31 inclusive, a further modied form of tap is shown,illustrating how this invention is adapted to be applied to the heel ofa shoe. This form comprises the heel tap or heel plate 'l5 provided witha convex lower face 15' sloping to the rounded side edges thereof,similar to the forms described above, and being provided with openingsT5 near the edges to receive fastening elements 'i6' therein forsecuring the tap to the heel of the shoe, said openings beingsuflciently counter-sunk to prevent the securing elements fromprojecting and marring the floor. The tap has forwardly extending wingsand has ridge means T8 extending along the edge part of its upper face,said ridge means being provided with scallops 19 on the inner edgeincluding an indentation at the rear. A sound chamber 8| is locatedwithin the ridge means and is provided with an outlet channel or port 82at the front. A pocket or recess 83 is provided in the upper faceportion of the tap, substantially centrally of the sound chamber 8|,while rib means 84 is preferably provided on the forward edge of theyrecess and has an outlet port 85 in the front part thereof. A pair ofoutlet ports 86 are also provided in ridge means '|8, extendinglaterally from chamber 8| to the outer edge of the tap and heel, andsaid ports 85 and 86, along with the front port 82, provide proper andefficient outlet means for emitting the sound fully from recess 83 andchamber 8|.

The disk means shown in conjunction with this form of tap comprises anupper disk member 81 and a lower disk member 88, the lower member beingseated in recess 83 and having a lower body or stem portion 89 whichprotrudes thru an aperture 98 extending from recess 83 thru the crownpart of the tap. The upper member 8l is secured under the heel, whilethe lower member 88 is preferably provided with a grooved and crownedlower face 89', as explained above. v `Figs. 32 to 34 illustrate afurther modified form of tap adapted for the heel of the shoe. This formof tap 92 does not have the pronounced wings shown in the preceding formof tap 75, otherwise it similarly includes the ridge means 93 on theupper face having scallops on the inner edge and providing a soundchamber 95 therebetween having a front outlet channel or port 96thereon. A pocket or recess 91 is provided in the upper face of the tap,within sound chamber 95, and rib means 98 provided with a front port 89arises from the forward edge of said recess. A pair of outlet ports |00also extend thru the ridge means 93, to the side edge of the heel, saidports |00 and S9 along with the front port 98 serving for properly andcompletely emitting the amplied sound from the recess Sl and the soundchamber 95.

The disk means illustrated in conjunction with this form of tapcomprises an upper disk member |02 including a crowned or domed lowerface |02',

and a lower disk member |03, the lower member being seated in the recess91 and having a lower body portion |04 protruding thru an aperture 05which extends from recess 9'! thru the lower crown portion S2' of thetap. The lower face |04 of said body portion |04 may also be grooved, inthe Amanner and for the purpose explained in the preceding forms.

It is apparent from the above disclosure that this invention is adaptedfor various dancing taps including a toe tap, a ball tap and a heel tap;and that in the several forms of taps the ballbearing disk means, andalso the cymbal means, may be readily substituted or used for the otherdisclosed forms of disk means of two companion members, and vice versa.

I claim:

l. A tap comprising a plate-like metallic body adapted for attachment toa bottom part of a dancing shoe, said body containing a crowning portioncentrally of its lower face and a recessed seat centrally in its upperface portion provided with an aperture extending down therefrom thrusaid crowning portion, sound channels provided in said upper faceportion to extend to the side edges of said shoe part and emit the soundfrom said recessed seat in various directions and directly beyond thebottom of the shoe, and metallic sound providing means` including meansmounted movably in said seat, whereby to produce a strong and clearsound effect.

2. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body having a well definedcrowning portion centrally on its bottom face for guiding the dancer toa center balance and containing a sound chamber in its upper faceprovided with sound outlet ports thereon, a recess provided in saidchamber and having an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowningportion, and sound effecting means mounted in said recess and includingmeans depending thru the aperture adapted to engage the floor, to havefree movement in said aperture and recess, whereby to positively producea distinct and strong sound effect.

3. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body having a well dened crowningVportion on its 75 bottom face sloping towards the` edges and containinga sound chamber in its upper face provided with aV sound outlet at oneend and also lateral outlet ports, a recess insaid lchamberhaving anaperture extending therefrom thru` the crowning portion, arcuate ribmeans arising from a substantial part of the edge of said recessprovided with sound outlet means thereon, said rib means along with theedge part of the body being adapted to engage the shoe bottom andprevent it from sagging into the recess and chamber, and metallic meansmounted in said recess and including means depending thru the apertureadapted to engage the floor, for readily prcducing a distinct and strongsound.

4. A dancing tapi comprising a metallic body provided with upperreinforcing ridge means thereon including scalloped inner edge meansprovided With a sound chamber therebetween having outlet ports thereon,an aperture extending downward from the chamber thru the body, and soundeffecting means in said chamber including means extending downward thruthe aperture, said ridge means being adapted to bear against the shoebottom and said scalloped means aiding in providing a variety of tappingand jingling effects with this tap.

5. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowningportion on its lower face and ridge means around the edge portion of theupper face including scalloped inner edge means, providing a soundchamber therebetween having a sound outlet at one end between the endsof the ridge means, also having sound outlet ports extending laterallythru the ridge means, a recess in said chamber provided with an apertureextending therefrom thru the crowning portion, rib means in said chamberarising from said recess, adapted to have the shoe bottom bear thereonas well as on the ridge means, and a companion pair of metal soundmembers mounted in said recess, one thereof being provided with meansdepending thru said aperture and being freely movable verticallytherein, whereby to produce a clear and distinct jingling sound.

6. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowningportion centrally on its lower face and ridge means on the upper edgeportion adapted to bear under a part of the shoe and having a soundchamber therebetween provided with sound outlet ports thereon, a recessin the intermediate part of said chamber provided with an apertureextending thru the crowning portion, and a companion pair of metalsounding members including an `upper one bearing against said shoe part,also a lower one movable in said recess and having a body part dependingthru said aperture and movable freely therein adapted to engage thefloor and produce a strong jingling eect with said upper member, thelower end of said body part including grooved means to provide tractionand prevent sliidding on the floor.

7. A dancing tap comprising a plate-like metallic body containing acrowning portion centrally on its lower face and ridge means on theupper edge portion adapted to bear under the shoe and having a soundchamber therebetween provided with sound outlet ports, a recess in saidchamber provided with an aperture extending thru the crowning portion, acompanion pair of sounding members including an upper one in the form ofa disk bearing against the shoe also a lower one movable in said recess4and including a body part depending thru the aperture to move freelytherein and having grooved means on its bottom to provide traction onthe floor, and ballbearing means between the two members to provide easyturning and spinning thereon.

8; A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowningportion centrally on its lower face and sloping upwardly therefromtoward the upperedge portion adapted to be secured under a part of theshoe, and provided with a sound chamber in its upper` face having soundoutlet ports thereon, a recess in the chamber provided with an apertureextending therefrom thru the crowning portion, and a companion pair ofdisk-like members in said recess, including an upper memberA to besecured under said shoe part and a lower member having a part dependingthru said aperture adapted to Vengage the floor, one of said pair ofmembers having a crowned bearing face to facilitate turning on theadjoining face of the other member, and the lower member having means onits lower face to provide traction on the floor, whereby the dancer isenabled to readilymake a continuous number of turns in eitherdirectio-n.A l,

9. A tap conforming to the toe partof a dancing shoe, vcomprising ametal plate-like body having a crowned lower face and three longrearwardly extending wings, to stifen the shoe sole for supporting thefoot, a sound chamber in the upper face of the body including a recessprovided with an aperture extending therefrom thru said crowned face,there being outlet openings provided laterally as well as rearwardlyfrom said chamber for emitting the sound in various directions andclearly therefrom, and companion metallic sound effecting members insaid recess, whereby to produce a strong and clear sound effect.

10. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 9, wherein said companion`members comprise an upper disk engaging the toe part of the shoe soleand including a crowned lower face, and a lower disk member having vabody part depending thru said aperture and provided on its lower facewith means to avoid skidding on the floor, to facilitate convenientturning thereon as well as tap dancing.

l1. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 9, wherein the toe part of thetap is provided with an upstanding flange, closely fitting the frontpart of the shoe sole and extending substantially the height of the solein front and tapering down shoe and assuring a metallic contact andsound during tap dancing.

12. A dancing tap conforming to and adapted to extend across the ballpart of a dancing shoe, said tap having a central crowning portion onits lower face and a sound recess centrally in its upper face providedwith an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning portion, soundchan* nels extending from said recess outwardly of the tap to emit thesound in various directions, and metallic companion sound effectingmembers in said recess, the lower onehaving means extending thru saidaperture adapted to engage the oor, whereby to positively produce astrong sound effect.

vtoward the rear, for protecting the toe part of the shoe and includinga crownedlower face, and a lower member having a part depending thrusaid aperture and having means on the lower face to prevent skidding onthe floor, adapted to movevertically in said aperture and to turn onsaid crowned face, enabling thev dancer to turns easily on the ball partof the foot.

14. A ball tap comprising a metal plate'adapted to extend across theball part of a dancing shoe, having a crowning portion centrally of itslower face and sloping upwardly therefrom toward the edges, a recess inthe form of a seat located centrally in its upper faceprovided with anaperture extending therefrom thru the crowning prtion,`sound channelsextending from said recess laterally on said upper face, to said edges,and companion metal sound effecting members mounted superposed in Ysaidrecess, at least the lower one of which is movable freely in saidrecess, for producing a strong and clear metallic sound well distributedby said channels.

15. A dancingmtap comprising a metallic body containing a crowningportion on its lower face and ridge means on the curved edge portion ofthe upperface adapted to be secured under the heel of the dancing shoe,a sound chamber between said ridge means having an outlet opening at thefront thereof andv outlet ports extending thru the ridge means, a recessVin the'intermediate part of said chamber provided with an apertureextending therefrom thru said crowning portion; and a companion pair ofsounding elementsin said recess, including an upper one to engage' theheel anda lower one having a part extending thru and freely movable insaid aperturetoengage the oor, whereby to produce a strong and clearsound effect. 16. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 15,` wherein saidcompanion members include an upper disk member secured under the heeland a lower disk-like member movable in said aperture and recess toengage the upper one, and having anti-skid means on its lower face,Vwhereby the dancer is enabled to easily make a great number of turns ineither direction. I

17. A'dancing tap as set forth in claiml 15, wherein rib means arise atthe edge of the recess to bear under the heel and to aid the ridge meansin supporting the heel and ypreventit from sagging into said recess andchamber, port means is provided in said rib means, and the inner edge ofthe ridge means is scalloped, whereby to produce a variety of tappingand jingling sounds.

ALBERT L. SOTHEN.

